Fremont area projects receive grant funding

Several Fremont area projects have received Community Development Block Grant funding, Gov. Dave Heineman announced Thursday.

Fremont will receive $139,241 in comprehensive revitalization funds.

Those funds will be used to acquire and demolish vacant, dilapidated homes and rehabilitate five owner-occupied homes. Cleared lots will be deeded to Habitat for Humanity for one or more single-family units.

The city will provide an additional $151,000 in funding for the project.

Fremont already has done a similar project. Habitat is building a home on a lot on H Street that was purchased and cleared through the project.

Three area communities will receive funds for public works projects.

Clarkson will receive $221,000 to install 5,900 linear feet of new water main and the connections needed to create a fully-looped water main system. The village will provide $101,655 in funding for the project.

Decatur received $250,000 to build a new senior center with updated heating and cooling systems and that will comply with American with Disabilities Act regulations. The Sears Foundation will provide $560,900 via the Decatur Foundation for the project.

Howells will receive $242,600 for street improvements to six blocks of Third Street, one block of Laura Street and three blocks of May Street. The village will provide $76,000 to help with the project.

Heineman announced $5.1 million in funding for projects in 35 communities on Thursday.

“There are many examples where a little bit of funding can make the difference in upgrades and improvements to local infrastructure,” Heineman said. “CDBG funding has helped encourage many businesses to locate in many of our communities over the years. It also serves a valuable purpose in helping small towns and villages keep up with upgrades and plan for long-term projects. Whether it’s helping fund upgrades to water mains and sidewalks, building a new community center, or reviewing available housing options, these grants have a real impact.”

Grants are distributed as part of the state’s annual allocation of CDBG funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.